What am I doing wrong?

[Ol Grey Mare]

I understand that concern, but if they are overcrowded you have to decide which is the lesser of two evils..........you could cobble together a larger brooding area that would be one brooder by using cardboard boxes split an spliced together -or two totes with one end each cut out and spliced together - there are a lot of ways you can create an enclosed area that will keep them contained and allow some more room for them to move around in.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

In two weeks they will likely grow to twice their size. Chicks can grow so fast! I also agree that you will need more room. We had only about 3 chicks in that size brooder.

Also, it sounds like their behavior is pretty normal. Mine have always been a little wild, but they calm down when I pick them up and restrain them for a min and then they seem to enjoy the cuddles. The overcrowding can make them a bit stressed out though.

We also free range ours. We started by putting them in a pen outside with food and water to play each afternoon. After a few days we open the pen so they can start to explore. At that point they know the pen is a safe place and return to it frequently. We don't have to hold them unless we want to now...They mostly stay out of trouble and go into the coop by themselves each evening. I've heard of people using food rewards to entice chickens too.

About reintroducing them... We had to do that. It actually wasn't too bad for us. I dont think it will be for you either, especially since yours are the same age. If you can keep them within eyesight of each other that will help them.

 

[cafarmgirl]

How old are these birds and what are the measurements on your brooder? Overcrowding is a dangerous game to play and most totes are far to small for all but the youngest chicks. Get some big cardboard boxes, cut the ends off and make one large box. Or see if you can find large melon or other produce boxes at the grocery, large appliance (refrigerator) boxes work great too.

What you really want to avoid is getting a pecking problem started due to stress. Sometimes once they start that you just can't break the habit. Far easier avoided then solved.

 

[BlackRose89]

Talked to my future father in law, he's gonna let me borrow his big water tank we use to put drinks in at parties.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i hope it helps calm them for you

 

[Farmgirl245]

My chicks were like that too. But now they follow me all over the pen.

 

[BlackRose89]

The chicks aren't all the same age or size, the first six (white leghorn, Rhode Island Red, black sex star, and 3 Americaunas) were supposedly a week old when I got them but they are all feathered out now except a few tufts of baby fluff left, but the sex star is half the size of the others from that group. The other 6 (2 buff orp pullets, 2 straight run light brahmas, and 2 straight run silver laced Wyandottes) are just getting their wing feathers and are still tiny. I expect them to be in the house longer so I'll probably have to reintroduce them anyway, but I regularly give them new toys to keep them entertained (mirrors, pine cones, etc) and the bigger girls all take field trips outside when it's warm. The red used to ride around on my dogs back. I got the second group the day after I got the first 6, but it looks like there's a 3 week age difference, I've had them for 3 weeks or so already.

 

[bhaugh]

If it were me, I would separate them. The young chicks are pretty small to be in with the older chicks and the play of the older chicks may hurt the younger ones. If the younger birds are just starting to grow wing feathers then I'm guessing they are 2 weeks old? If the other birds are completely feathered out except for a bit then I'd guess they were 4-5 weeks old. It doesnt seem like much of a difference of time but those two weeks is pretty big to a chick. You will find that when chicks have access to get out and fly around or play rough with each other, they will calm down. At least all of mine have. Burns off that energy they can't do when they are stuck in a small brooder.

Mine have gotten less friendly but health and well being is more important for me. The ones who were friendly will stay that way if you commit the time to handle them. Two of mine still greet me when I go out. I may not always see them but soon I will feel chick toe nails on the tops of my feet (since I wear flip flops inside the run) and Ill look down and there she is. I remind all the of named chicks who they are by calling and talking to them individually. They always look up at me when Im talking to them.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

That's how I feel as well.

 

[bhaugh]

I wanted to add that right now I have 17 chicks out in a 7x13 covered run. The chicks have access to fly around and spend their time exploring. They still know me because Im that big giant of a chicken with dried mealworms that shakes the bag and most of the chicks come running. I like getting them used to the treat bag because its necessary to get them in at night when they get older. Some chicks wont come to mealworm time so they miss out until the next offering.

The new chicks I had shipped to me didnt even know what mealworms were but Ive found that increased animal treats feather the chicks faster so I really use it to feather them up. They of course love the treats. I found a 42oz bag of mealworm treats yesterday at IFA on sale for 20.00 YAY. If your chicks dont like mealworms find what works for them. I have no problem bribing them with treats to get them to do what I want as they get older.

More than one person has poo poo'd me for having the chicks out so early. Some of the chicks are a little over 3 weeks old the others are 4+ weeks old. It helps I live in Vegas and the days are close to 77. I couldnt take all the noise they made in my house and they are happier out and exploring. I dont have to pick them up to move them back and forth and most have most of their feathers in. You can buy an Xpen for dogs and convert it with plastic poultry fencing from Home dept around the bottom to keep the chicks in. Thats what I did. If its nice outside they can fly around in it and mock fight. If that isnt an option try the garage.